Non-League Football: Week of change at Sheffield FC as James Colliver is appointed new boss

Sheffield FC have appointed James Colliver as their new manager, after a hectic week of change at the world’s oldest football club.

Colliver last night replaced Andy Kiwomya, who stepped down after last weekend’s 2-1 home reversal against promotion-chasing Basford United.

Kiwomya is to stay at Club, as head of youth development, and foundation director Chris Dolby stepped in to take charge of Tuesday evening’s 3-0 victory at Belper Town - their first win of 2016.

Former Clipstone FC manager Colliver, born in Sheffield, played for Stocksbridge Park Steels and Worksop Town after beginning his playing career at Rotherham United.

He will be in charge for this weekend’s game against Carlton Town.

“James is a very well known and highly regarded young manager, a Sheffield lad, who has had several years playing at this level,” a Club statement read.

“All at the World’s First Football Club wish him all the best in his new appointment.

“We’d like to thank Dave Paling and his colleagues at Clipstone FC for their support and making the way clear for James to join Club.”

Meanwhile, Conor Mitchell has returned to the club on a month’s youth loan from Championship side Burnley.

The 19-year-old’s previous loan spell was cut short after a call up to the Northern Ireland international U19 squad.

Mitchell kicked off his second spell with a clean sheet as Sheffield got back in the winning groove with a vital victory against Belper.

Jordan Tuner scored his first goal for the club, and Glyn Cotton grabbed the second against his former club just past the hour. Temi Raheem sealed the points 12 minutes from time.

Dolby said afterwards. “We told the players beforehand they were in a false position, but had let the manager and themselves down and that they needed to show what they were capable of. I think they did that.

“It was a good win.”

The win lifted Club up to 16th in the Evo-Stik Division One South and 10 points above the bottom two.